Abram to Abraham: The Covenant of Circumcision

29 Oct Abram to Abraham: The Covenant of Circumcision

Posted at 12:03h in English Service by

Pastor Vincent - 31 October 2013

The Undeserved Became The Deserving

All English Service

Why the Gibeonites, the cursed and undeserved group eventually became deserving? Because they had come to Israelites, with fear, humility and trembling knowing that Israelite's God is truly the one and only God. We often use our judgment to perceive others, thinking that they will never understand what you believe. But the Word says share the gospel to the ends of the world, for the deserving ones will respond. Have you become the stumbling block of gospel? Blessed are you who can listen and believe in the gospel, for your salvation is purely by grace of God. One who has received much, will share abundantly of the good news he receives, and he will also realize that the purpose in life is none other than world evangelism. We have heard the truths many times. We have heard sermons after sermons in church and from the website. However, if one does not intentionally seek out the person of Christ of what he has heard through prayers with God, it will not give birth to the right spirit. May the Lord restore the right spirit inside us as we seek Him in our prayers, nailing our pride, worldly and convenient thinking on the cross repeatedly. May His heartbeat becomes ours.

Related Topics: Ministry & Servitude, Prayer | More Messages from Pastor Vincent

From Series: "All English Service"

Download Video     View Notes

More From "All English Service"

Powered by Series Engine

Abram to Abraham:
The Covenant of Circumcision


In the midst of worldly busyness and distractions, it is not easy to keep remembering and trusting God’s promises. Thus, God often uses His word and our life events to remind us and help us confirm His promises. The best part of God’s covenant is a special relationship with Him, where He assures us, saying, “I will be your God.” While it is wonderful to have God on our side, such covenantal relationship with God also implies certain obligations we have toward Him. This change of identity should also change our perspective such that we live in a way which is fitting with His grace of salvation. 
 Verses to read:
<Genesis 17:1-23>

1. Change of name (identity)

  • v5: Abram (“exalted father”) >>> Abraham: (“father of many”)
  • v15: Sarai >>> Sarah
  • Name affects a person
  • Name shapes perspective and behaviour
  • Changed names so can remember and dispel unbelief
  • After name change: God’s perspective >>> our fixed perspective
  • Forget old name, register new name, and live in a fitting way

2. God’s covenant also involves man’s obedience

1) “Walk before me faithfully and be blameless” <v1>

  • Walk before God, not man, nor self
  • Man sins due to very low view of God
  • Remember that God is Almighty <v1> >>> Trust and fear Him

2) Sign of covenant: Circumcision

  • Outward sign of inward faith
  • Reminder of obligations to God
  • Similar to New Testament baptism
  • Put away old self
  • Be set apart
  • Circumcision of the heart more important:
    <Deut 10:16> “Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.”
  • Irreversible: Permanent bond between God and His people

3) Obey promptly

  • <Genesis 17:26> Abraham and his son Ishmael were both circumcised on that very day.

4) Do not let doubts hinder obedience

  • Don’t trust our doubts more than we trust God!

5) God demands total commitment

Print page
Avatar
Preacher Hui Jun
[email protected]

Huijun serves as Secretary of The Blessed RUN Ministries. She is also the Preacher at The Life Church and Missions (Singapore). She graduated from Singapore Bible College and currently lives in Singapore with her husband, Chengji.

No Comments